What is the best ECN forex broker?
Pepperstone is the best ECN forex broker, offering straight-through processing with RAW spreads from 0.10 pips on EUR/USD and a 77ms execution speed. With $3.50 commissions and no dealing desk intervention across 94 currency pairs, Pepperstone delivers true ECN execution with no minimum deposit. We also shortlisted other ECN brokers based on their depth of markets, variable spreads and execution quality.
This page is a desk-based comparison built from each broker's published pricing and terms and our recorded data; we have not tested these accounts except in our recorded tests.
Broker comparison table
| Rank | Broker | Score | Regulation | EUR/USD raw | EUR/USD standard | Commission | Min. deposit | Platforms | Leverage | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 93.5 | ASIC, FCA, BaFin CySEC, DFSA | 0.1 | 1.10 | $3.50 | $0 | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader | 30:1 | Visit | |
| 2 | 89 | ASIC, FSA-S CySEC | 0.1 | 0.8 (min) | $3.50 | $200 | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader | 30:1 | Visit | |
| 3 | 78.4 | ASIC, FSA-S FSCA,FSC-M, CMA | 0.1 | 1.27 | $3.00 | $100 | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader | 30:1 | Visit | |
| 4 | 68.2 | ASIC, FCA, FMA | 0.16 | 1.13 | $6.00 | $0 | MetaTrader 4 | 30:1 | Visit | |
| 5 | 64.5 | ASIC, FCA, CySEC DFSA, FMA | 0.0 | 0.7 | $4.50 per lot, charged on opening | $0 | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 | 30:1 | Visit | |
| 6 | 58.5 | FCA, CySEC, DFSA SCB, FSC-M, FSCA, FSA-S | 0.64 | 1.44 | $3.50 | $0 | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader | 30:1 | Visit |
Some of the abbreviations on this page are expanded to the regulator's full name: a broker regulated by ASIC is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission; by DFSA, the Dubai Financial Services Authority.
Here is our list of the best ECN forex brokers.
Ordered by our overall rating, highest first.
- Pepperstone - Highest Rated On This List
- IC Markets - Raw Spread Account On MT4, MT5 And cTrader
- FP Markets - Raw Account With $3.00 Commission
- IG Group - Highest Trust Score On This List
- Axi - MT4 And MT5 With No Dealing Desk
- FxPro - STP Execution On MT4, MT5 And cTrader

Key sections
Broker reviews
Pricing on this page comes from a desk-based comparison of published figures only. Loyal's account-opening and funding checks in the Philippines ran from October to November 2026 and covered sign-up and card funding, not execution, spreads, commission or withdrawals, and they do not prove ECN routing. The full comparison is not drawn from that testing.
1. Pepperstone
Average spread
EUR/USD = 0.1 GBP/USD = 0.2 AUD/USD = 0.1
Platforms
MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, Pepperstone Trading App
Minimum deposit
$0
Why We Recommend Pepperstone
We recommend Pepperstone as the best ECN broker overall. They offer a solid combination of tight RAW spreads, fast execution speeds, a range of markets, and a choice of trading platforms, which is why we scored them 93.5/100.
In our 2026 execution test, which ran Expert Advisors on MetaTrader 4 demo accounts at 36 brokers over two 30-hour periods, Pepperstone filled limit orders in 77 ms, ranking 2nd of 36, and market orders in 100 ms, ranking 10th of 36. The other 35 brokers in that test averaged 145 ms on limit orders, a gap I rate as meaningful, so the faster your limit orders fill, the less chance for slippage on your entries.
Pepperstone publishes a US$0 minimum to open a live account, and that opening minimum is separate from card funding. Loyal's Philippine record from October 30, 2026 shows a card minimum of US$10 per deposit, and she made two US$10 card deposits for a US$20.00 balance with a US$0 fee. I separate the opening requirement from the funded amount, because a zero minimum to open does not mean a zero minimum on a card deposit, and the card figure is what decides the amount you pay on the day. I would not generalise either number into a guaranteed global term.
Philippine account evidence
Loyal's Philippine Pepperstone Markets Limited signup, begun October 20, 2026 after a mobile number snag, verified in about a minute. Two US$10 card deposits on October 30 built a US$20 MT5 balance with a US$0 fee.

Pros & cons
Pros
- Solid choice of markets
- Fast execution speeds
- Full range of popular trading platforms
Cons
- No guaranteed stop-loss order
- Demo account is limited to 30 days
- DoM access is limited to cTrader and MT5
Broker Details
The Best ECN Broker
Combined with ECN style execution, low spreads and commissions, Pepperstone is the solution I recommend for the MT4 platform. Choosing the Pepperstone Razor account provides an excellent foundation for you to get the most from the MT4 platform, and I would point you at it for your MT4 trading. With this account you get the following.
- Interbank spreads from 0.0 pips on the Razor account
- Fast order execution speed of 60ms
- ‘True’ ECN commissions USD 3.76 per side per 100,000hot units traded
- Range of 94 currency pairs
- A plethora of fee-free funding methods
- A diverse range of financial markets, including forex, indices and commodities
Note: True ECN is defined as trading with no dealing desk or human intervention.
Pepperstone is regulated in multiple jurisdictions, which makes it a broker that can be trusted by traders in the markets this site covers. Being regulated in this way means Pepperstone must meet strict regulatory guidelines such as training standards, avoid conflict of interest and the requirements for customers’ deposits to be segregated in a separate account. The broker uses the highly respected auditing firm, Ernst & Young, to ensure Pepperstone processes and records are compliant with the standards of the regulators it answers to.
Pepperstone is one of the top 10 global forex brokers and is a well-recognised broker where they have a strong presence.
Pepperstone Spread Analysis
Pepperstone is a no-dealing desk (NDD) broker which allows them to offer low trading fees, and that execution model is a big part of why I rank it highly. The Razor trading account offers spreads as low as 0.0 pips for the EUR/USD currency pair, and I rate that headline spread as sharp for a retail account. These ECN-like spreads are on par with other financial institutions’ intra-bank rates, which most retail forex brokers are unable to achieve, a gap I track closely in my comparisons.
The below table highlights the key features of the main trading accounts Pepperstone offers, and I compare both fee structures side by side. The Razor account has spreads starting from as low as 0.0 pips, averages around 0.3 pips, and has a commission for each lot you trade. The standard account, on the other hand, adds one pip to the spread in place of commissions, so I would run the numbers on your typical volume before picking between them.

The below spreads table compares the average and typical spreads brokers provide on their website and are reviewed on a monthly basis. The table below shows the average spreads against a number of other brokers for the ECN commission accounts. You will notice Pepperstone spreads stand up well across the board against other brokers, which matches what I see when I compare raw accounts.
Pepperstone Razor Account Spreads
Pepperstone's Razor Account is one of the best ECN-style accounts in my view, offering minimum spreads from 0.0 pips plus commission fees. I would point you to this account type if you are a more experienced trader looking at executing automated trading strategies with Expert Advisors, along with scalping and day trading. The average spreads below show Pepperstone's competitiveness compared to other brokers offering a similar account type, a comparison you can run for yourself. The broker provides access to some of the tightest average spreads currently available to retail traders.
| Commission ECN Spread Comparison | EUR/USD | AUD/USD | EUR/GBP | EUR/JPY | USD/CAD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.10 | 0.10 | 0.20 | 1.20 | 0.30 | |
| 0.1 | 0.38 | 0.37 | 0.73 | 0.59 | |
| 0.10 | 0.10 | 0.20 | 0.40 | 0.20 | |
| 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.20 | 0.30 | 0.00 | |
| 0.16 | 0.29 | 0.54 | 0.68 | 0.70 | |
| 0.20 | 0.40 | 0.50 | 0.70 | 0.70 | |
| 0.00 | 0.90 | 0.40 | 1.10 | 1.20 | |
| 0.10 | 0.50 | 0.60 | 0.40 | 0.60 | |
| 0.28 | 0.87 | 0.63 | 0.81 | 1.03 |
Avg. spreads are taken from each broker's website and updated monthly. Last update on 1 Sep 2026
Pepperstone Standard Account Spreads
If you prefer a simple fee structure and account type, Pepperstone's standard account type is commission-free while still offering tight spreads, and that simplicity is why I recommend it to beginners. The account is suited for beginner traders looking to get into the market and want a simple trading cost structure. With minimum spreads of 0.6, Pepperstone provides one of the best no-commission trading accounts in my comparison. As shown below, few brokers can compete with Pepperstone's commission-free pricing, so you have a strong baseline for comparison.
Pepperstone also offers Islamic accounts for traders that need to comply with Sharia Law.
| EUR/USD | AUD/USD | EUR/GBP | EUR/JPY | USD/CAD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.10 | 1.10 | 1.20 | 2.20 | 1.30 | |
| 0.70 | 2.20 | 1.10 | 1.60 | 1.60 | |
| 1.90 | 2.00 | 2.40 | 2.30 | 2.50 | |
| 1.40 | 2.50 | 2.50 | 2.60 | 2.60 | |
| 1.40 | 1.60 | 1.40 | 2.10 | 1.90 | |
| 1.44 | 2.03 | 1.52 | 2.14 | 1.79 | |
| 0.70 | 0.70 | 1.20 | 2.30 | 1.60 |
Avg. spreads are taken from each broker's website and updated monthly. Last update on 1 Sep 2026
Pepperstone Trading Costs
Pepperstone offers competitive trading costs across 180 financial markets. Pepperstone’s clients can expect an average transaction cost of approximately $5.36 (assuming the EUR/USD spread remains constant at 0.16 pips) for each standard lot you trade.
Compared to other ECN forex brokers, retail traders can expect total trading costs of $7.90 with Axi, $7.70 with IG, and respectively $8.0 with FXTM. When put side by side with other ECN brokers, forex trading with Pepperstone comes with an additional saving cost of almost 40%.
The cost related to trading forex and CFD trading can be further reduced by up to 15% through Pepperstone Active Trader Program, a saving I factor into my comparison for high-volume readers. Typically, this translates into saving costs between $200 and $500 in monthly rebates. However, the Active Trader program is catered for high-volume traders and scalping trading strategies, so check whether your monthly volume clears the bar before you count on the rebate.

Fastest Trade Execution Speed
Pepperstone sits at the top of our list, and the ECN-like execution speed of 60 milliseconds that Pepperstone publishes rests on two key features:

1) A direct optical fibre connection to trading servers
The sheer distance between US liquidity hubs can be a disadvantage for traders outside the United States. Pepperstone offset this through a direct optic fibre connection from London to New York. The end result is a reduction in up to 10x times latency for these traders.
Pepperstone Equinix Servers
Just having a fast connection isn't enough if the server has a poor response rate, a distinction I pay attention to when I compare execution infrastructure. To overcome this, Pepperstone partners with Equinix who have servers near Wall Street in New York, which is one of the world's largest and most important financial centres. Using the Equinix data centre means the broker is as close as possible to most of the currency exchange firms and banks means Pepperstone can achieve the best possible latency for your orders, which is what you want if execution speed drives your strategy.
Our Verdict On Pepperstone
Overall, we found Pepperstone Limited offered the best ECN trading conditions. The broker also topped our ECN rankings thanks to limit orders that ranked 2nd of 36 in our 2026 execution test (77 ms), lowest standard account spreads, and award-winning customer service. These are the elements critical for ECN trading.
2. IC Markets
Average spread
EUR/USD = 0.1 GBP/USD = 0.0 (min) AUD/USD = 0.0 (min)
Platforms
MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, IC Markets Mobile App
Minimum deposit
$200
Why We Recommend IC Markets
We recommend IC Markets for its low average RAW spreads. In Ross Collins's spread tests of RAW accounts, it averaged 0.32 pips across the major pairs, against 0.49 pips for the 15 brokers in those tests.
What we think is excellent about IC Markets is that it offers a range of copy trading tools like ZuluTrade, allowing you to mirror the strategies of experienced traders at low cost. Your copy trading costs will be lower as you’ll benefit from IC Markets’ spreads.
Philippine account evidence
Loyal's Philippine IC Markets signup was verified on October 20, 2026, straight after a passport and liveness check, with two-factor required before trading. Her US$20 card deposit on October 30 reached MT5 about three to four minutes after she opened the form.

Pros & cons
Pros
- Lowest average spreads on major pairs
- Excellent customer service with tech support
- There are no fees for depositing or withdrawing
Cons
- Requires a small minimum deposit
- Lacks market analysis resources
Broker Details
The Broker That Has Low ECN Spreads
Second, on our list of best MT4 ECN platforms is one of the top no dealing desk brokers IC Markets due to their low spreads and costs.
IC Markets sits second on our list, which is ordered by our overall rating, and its key features are:
- Raw spreads starting from 0.0 pips
- 25 tier-1 liquidity providers
- Fast order execution speed of 40ms
- Handles on average $15 billion in forex transactions
- Collocated servers in the New York Equinix NY4 data centre (ensures low latency and slippage)
IC Markets has a major focus on Forex trading however traders can also choose from CFDs on Futures, Stock Indices, Shares, Bonds and Commodities. The company offers access to a true ECN trading environment via three powerful trading platforms, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader and TradingView, so you are covered whichever terminal you prefer, and that platform range is one reason I keep it near the top of my list.
International Capital Markets complies with stringent regulatory standards set by the regulators of the jurisdictions where it operates, which makes it a safe and trustworthy broker. IC Markets (EU) Ltd, regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) under the CIF Licence No 362/18.
IC Markets ECN Trading Spreads
As a true ECN broker, IC Markets matches the trades of its clients electronically and pass on trade orders to liquidity providers. This system means it operates a no dealing desk NDD execution model.

Since the broker uses a diverse liquidity mix, it is able to provide Forex traders with the lowest possible spreads, as low as 0.0 pips on some major currency pairs through its MetaTrader 4 ECN account (Raw Spread Account). IC Markets offers one of the lowest spreads on foreign exchange pairs such as EUR/USD in the world (0.1 pips) and is also able to offer tight spreads across its entire product list, so your costs stay low whatever you trade. IC Markets sits second behind Pepperstone in my ECN comparison, and I would keep the funding experience separate from the execution model when you weigh the two.
The table below demonstrates the minimum and the average spread on five major currency pairs through its Raw Spread and Standard trading accounts.
| Raw Spread Account (Minimum) | Raw Spread Account (Average) | Standard Spread Account (Minimum) | Standard Spread Account (Average) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD | 0.0 pips | 0.1 pips | 1.0 pips | 1.1 pips |
| GBP/USD | 0.0 pips | 0.4 pips | 1.0 pips | 1.4 pips |
| USD/JPY | 0.0 pips | 0.2 pips | 1.0 pips | 1.2 pips |
| AUD/USD | 0.0 pips | 0.2 pips | 1.0 pips | 1.2 pips |
| USD/CAD | 0.0 pips | 0.5 pips | 1.0 pips | 1.5 pips |
IC Markets Total Trading Costs
IC Markets will charge a small commission of $7.0 per round turn for 1 Standard Lot traded on its Raw Spread account, while Forex trading on its Standard account is associated with no commissions, just an all-inclusive spread.
The Raw Spread account supports 10 base currencies, including EUR, USD, AUD, GBP, SGD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD and CAD. Depending on the base account currency selected and trade volume (Micro or Standard Lots), IC Markets will charge AUD 3.50 per side (AUD 9.0 round-turn) on its MetaTrader 4 Raw Spread account, a figure I would check against your own account currency before you fund.
| AUD Account Australian Dollar | USD Account US Dollar | EUR Account Euro | GBP Account Pound Sterling | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micro Lot Commission (0.01 or 1,000 base currency) | AUD 0.045 (AUD 0.09 round turn) | USD 0.035 (USD 0.07 round turn) | EUR 0.0325 (EUR 0.065 round turn) | GBP 0.0275 (GBP 0.055 round turn) |
| Standard Lot Commission (1 or 100,000 base currency) | AUD 4.50 (AUD 9.0 round turn) | USD 3.50 (USD 7.0 round turn) | EUR 3.25 (EUR 6.5 round turn) | GBP 2.75 (GBP 5.5 round turn) |
At IC Markets, the average transaction cost for 100,000 units traded is USD 4.6 (assuming the EUR/USD spread remains constant at 0.1 pips).
IC Markets Order Execution Speed
As far as order execution speed is concerned, the broker’s MetaTrader 4 server is located in the Equinix NY4 data centre, which delivers an average order execution speed of 36.5 ms for retail clients.
A 2026 execution test used Expert Advisors on MetaTrader 4 demo accounts at 36 brokers over two 30-hour periods. IC Markets filled limit orders in 134 ms (16th of 36) and market orders in 153 ms (22nd of 36).
Due to deep liquidity and no dealing desk execution with no requotes, IC Markets’ MT4 ECN account (Raw Spread) offers one of the best trading conditions for retail traders who employ scalping strategies. The Raw Spread account may also suit the needs of day traders as well as of those who use Expert Advisors, and that breadth is why I recommend it across so many trading styles, a range my ranking reflects.
Our Verdict On IC Markets
Loyal opened an IC Markets account in the Philippines on October 20, 2026 with Raw Trading Ltd, completing passport and liveness verification, and funded it with a US$20 card payment on October 30 that reached the MT5 balance. What you can learn from that is narrow but useful, because Loyal's sign-up, verification and card funding all went through. The US$20 was the amount Loyal paid, not an established card minimum, and I would not read the published US$200 reference as disproven by it. In my view the check tells you nothing about spreads, execution or withdrawals, and it does not establish true ECN conditions for your account.
3. FP Markets
Average spread
EUR/USD = 0.17 GBP/USD = 0.56 AUD/USD = 0.33
Platforms
MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, IRESS
Minimum deposit
$100
Why We Recommend FP Markets
FP Markets is our top choice for zero-spread ECN brokers. In our zero-spread testing, its spread sat at its minimum for 97.83% of the recorded time.
When spreads aren’t at zero, they still impress with an average of only 0.1 pips on EUR/USD, significantly lower than the usual 0.22 pips. With their RAW account, you can get these spreads on all platforms available, including MetaTrader 4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView.
Philippine account evidence
Loyal's Philippine FP Markets signup was approved on October 19, 2026, about eleven minutes after it began, on a passport alone. Her US$40 card deposit on October 30 cleared to MT5 within minutes once the SMS step finished.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Has zero-pip spreads on major pairs
- Free trading tools for the MetaTrader 4 platform
- Decent range of financial markets
Cons
- Limited range of forex pairs compared to others
- Not all shares available on MT5
- Demo accounts expire after a month
Broker Details
The Top Zero Spread ECN Broker
Third, on our list of best MT4 ECN platforms by spreads, costs and speed is leading CFDs provider FP Markets. FP Markets was selected as the top zero spread ECN broker based on these key factors:
- CFD trading on +10,000
- Fast order execution speed of 37ms delivered from NY4 data centre
- EUR/USD spread of 0.0 pips during peak market hours
- Proprietary trading platform IRES DMA trading platform
- DMA Forex Brokers (DMA) with live market data through their IRESS platform
With 15 years of business history, FP Markets is one of the most reputable ECN brokers worldwide. FP Markets is regulated across multiple jurisdictions and is the parent company of:
- First Prudential Markets Pty Ltd, an entity authorised and regulated in Australia by the ASIC
- FP Markets, registered in Saint Lucia

FP Markets Raw Pricing
With FP Markets, retail clients can access institutional-grade liquidity with no dealing desk and no requotes.
Due to its vast pool of liquidity providers, the brokerage is able to offer the lowest possible Forex spreads, starting from 0.0 pips, on its MetaTrader 4 software, accessed through its Raw trading account type, which is where I would send you if raw pricing is your priority. The company offers more than 60 major, minor and exotic Forex pairs, and the minimum spreads on some of the most popular pairs are listed below so you can compare them directly.
- 0.0 pips on EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, USD/CHF, AUD/USD and NZD/USD. The average spread offered on EUR/USD is 0.09 pips, one of the lowest worldwide.
- 0.1 pip on USD/CAD
- 0.2 pips on EUR/GBP, EUR/JPY and GBP/JPY
- 0.3 pips on EUR/AUD

During peak market hours the EUR/USD spread remains at 0.0 pips 55.87% of the time, according to price data compiled from Nov 2020 (only available through the Raw Spread account).
FP Markets Trading Costs
Spot Metals and Forex trading on FP Markets’ MT4 ECN account (Raw) is associated with a small commission, $6.0 per round turn for every 1 Standard Lot traded, while the minimum deposit required is AUD 100 or currency equivalent.
| FXTM | FP Markets | HFM | Pepperstone | ThinkMarkets | FxPro | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commission (per-side) | USD 2.0 | USD 3.0 | USD 3.0 | USD 3.5 | USD 3.5 | USD 4.5 |
| Commission (round-turn) | USD 4.0 | USD 6.0 | USD 6.0 | USD 7.0 | USD 7.0 | USD 9.0 |
The maximum leverage allowed for Forex and Spot Metals is set by the regulator of the entity you open an account with, and differs between the broker’s offshore subsidiary and its regulated subsidiaries. Meanwhile, trading CFDs on Commodities and Stock Indices on the Raw account does not incur any trading fees for clients.
At FP Markets, the average transaction cost for 100,000 units traded is USD 3.9 (assuming the EUR/USD spread remains constant at 0.09 pips).
FP Markets Order Execution Speed

FP Markets operates a pricing model based on Electronic Communication Network (ECN) technology, which ensures deep liquidity, the highest level of price transparency, ultra-tight spreads as well as exceptional order execution with minimal slippage.
Since FP Markets’ MT4 server is located at the Equinix NY4 data centre, the broker is able to ensure ultra-low latency and ultra-fast order execution (37 ms) for its clients, an infrastructure detail I weigh heavily in my rankings. FP Markets was awarded four consecutive times as the Best for Quality of Trade Execution 2019 by Investment Trends.
Another notable advantage of the broker’s MT4 platform is that there are no restrictions on limit orders, which suits perfectly trading styles such as scalping as well as trading strategies based on the use of Expert Advisors (EAs).
Along with the desktop version, FP Markets’ MT4 is also available as a web-based application (Web Trader) and as a mobile app for iOS- and Android-based devices.
Our Verdict On FP Markets
Overall, FP Markets is the most trusted forex brokers with zero spread trading accounts. Similar to other regulated CFD and Forex brokers, FP Markets warns that CFD trading through retail investor accounts carries a high risk of losing capital rapidly, as leverage is used. Consequently, before starting to operate with such complex instruments, retail traders need to be fully aware of how CFDs work!
We rank ECN Brokers against every other broker we score on Best Forex Brokers (2026).
4. IG Group
Average spread
EUR/USD = 0.16 GBP/USD = 0.59 AUD/USD = 0.29
Platforms
MT4, TradingView, IG Trading Platform, L2 Dealer
Minimum deposit
$0
Why We Recommend IG Group
We recommend IG as the most trusted Forex broker because it has earned a solid reputation over 30+ years and is backed by strict regulation in multiple jurisdictions, such as the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the National Futures Association (NFA), the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO), the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Securities Commission Malaysia and the Financial Markets Authority (FMA).
We like brokers with multiple regulators, as this shows they take your protections seriously and are willing to work with multiple jurisdictions to obtain authorisation.
With access to over 13,000+ markets, IG offers one of the widest ranges of products, allowing you to trade virtually any asset on the major exchanges.
Philippine account evidence
Loyal's Philippine IG application with IG International Limited was submitted on October 21, 2026, and active on October 28 after a knowledge test, phone verification, and utility bill. Her US$50 card deposit on October 30 reached MT5 about three minutes after submission.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Most trusted and regulated broker
- User-friendly IG Trading platform
- Over 13,000 markets to trade
Cons
- MetaTrader 4 platform can’t access all markets
- Lacks 3rd party social trading tools
- Customer service is limited over the weekend
Broker Details
The Most Trusted Forex Broker
Fifth, on our list of best MT4 ECN platforms by spreads, costs and speed is the world’s biggest CFD provider IG. IG was selected as one of the most credible forex brokers in the industry based on these key factors:
- 45 years of experience in supplying the needs of all types of traders
- Clients’ money is held in segregated accounts at their-1 banks
- Forex trading with spreads starting from 0.6 pips
- IG trade cost is built into the spread and there are no forex brokerage fees
- Award-winning technology that can deliver fast order execution speeds of 0.014 seconds
Founded in 1974 and having more than 239,000 clients worldwide, IG Group Holdings Plc is one of the most reputable Forex brokers with solid regulation and business operations in 16 countries across 5 continents. IG is authorised and regulated in the following jurisdictions.
- The United Kingdom, where it operates as IG Markets Ltd, an entity regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
- Australia, where it operates as IG Markets Limited, an entity regulated by the Australian’s ASIC
- Singapore, where it operates as IG Asia Pte. Ltd, an entity regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
IG Spread Analysis
One way to trade Forex with IG is over-the-counter, via Contracts for Difference, with no commissions. Clients will only pay the spread. IG offers variable spreads on its Forex CFDs, which depend on liquidity and time of the day.
For CFD trading with OTC Forex Brokers like IG, we should note that the company will act as a market maker. In other words, every time clients execute a trade, they will be dealing directly with the brokerage.
Retail clients are able to choose from more than 97 major, minor and exotic currency pairs, with spreads on:
- EUR/USD and AUD/USD starting from 0.6 pips
- USD/JPY starting from 0.7 pips
- GBP/USD starting from 0.9 pips
The minimum and average spreads, as well as the margin requirements for the most actively traded Forex pairs on IG’s MT4 platform, are presented in the table below.

We should note that the average spreads have been calculated over the 12 weeks ending May 29th 2020.
IG Trading Costs
When holding Forex and Spot Metals trades overnight, clients will incur overnight funding costs. In this case, the cost will equal the tom-next rate plus a small charge.
When trading CFDs on Shares and Stock Indices, the overnight funding fee includes IG’s admin fee plus or minus the relevant interbank rate (depending on whether it is a long or a short position) for the currency in which the trading instrument is denominated.
For trades in Commodity CFDs and Futures CFDs, clients will not incur overnight funding charges.

Additionally, retail traders can reduce the cost of forex trading through cash rebates. Traders can save up to $10 for each notional million traded contingent on trading volume thresholds.

At IG, the average transaction cost for 100,000 units traded is USD 6.0 (assuming the EUR/USD spread remains constant at 0.6 pips).
IG Order Execution Speed

As for order execution speed, IG’s pricing technology allows the broker to execute more than 98% of its clients’ market orders within 0.014 seconds on the MT4 platform. IG’s execution engine can boost the following performance areas.
- Processed 86 million trades in the fiscal year 2019
- Average 7 million orders are executed each month through IG trading platforms
- Handle 130,000 unique traders
- 89% of stop-loss orders have zero slippage and 11% negative slippage
Overall, the IG order management system has saved clients over GBP 55 million since Nov 2013.
Our Verdict On IG
Loyal opened an IG account in the Philippines in October 2026, and I want to be clear about what that check covered. The application went in on October 21, 2026 under the agreement naming IG International Limited in Bermuda, and the account was activated on October 28. A US$50 card deposit on October 30 reached the MT5 balance, which confirms that Loyal's sign-up and funding path worked end to end for her account. The MT5 server label read IG Markets Limited, though a server label alone does not prove which entity holds your contract. In my view you should treat this as an account-opening and funding check only, because no execution, spread or ECN order-routing test sat behind it.
5. Axi
Average spread
EUR/USD = 0.0 GBP/USD = 0.2 AUD/USD = 0.2
Platforms
MT4
Minimum deposit
$0
Why We Recommend Axi
Axi is our best MT4 ECN platform because it provides an excellent trading environment that MetaTrader 4 can take advantage of. The Pro account, Axi's raw-spread option, trades from 0 pips, and its commission on a USD-denominated account works out at $4.50 for each standard lot, payable in full when a position opens.
We like that they offer a range of extra trading tools, like Autochartist and Trading Central. These are two excellent market scanner tools that send alerts when chart patterns form so you can review them and decide whether to trade them.
This helps speed up finding new trading ideas and is automated in the background, which is helpful if you are a beginner trader.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Tight spreads with low commissions
- Access improved MT4 trading tools for free
- Solid educational content
Cons
- The range of markets isn’t the largest
- Only offers MetaTrader 4 platform
- Has inactivity fees
Broker Details
The Broker That Has A Great MT4 ECN Platform
Axi sits fifth of the six brokers on our list. We selected it for its MT4 ECN platform based on these key factors:
- Premium ECN trading technology via MT4 ECN bridge
- EUR/USD average spread of 0.2 pips (Pro account only)
- Advanced trading tools and indicators to show fundamental, sentimental, and technical analysis
- Fast execution, with limit orders filled in 90 ms (8th of 36 brokers) in our 2026 execution test
- A commission rate of $3.5 per side for 100,000 units traded
Axi is a multi-regulated ECN brokerage, licensed in several jurisdictions, where it falls under the regulation of the authorities in the markets where it operates.
Axi Spread Analysis
Axi supplies its Forex quotes directly from a network of +20 top-tier liquidity providers (LP). The extensive network of LPs allows Axi to offer reliable low spreads across its CFD product list.

Axi price engine aggregates in real-time price quotes from its LPs and identifies the best bid and the best offer prices available. Since the broker’s pricing can reflect even the tiniest price changes in real-time, this brings its clients very close to institutional-grade pricing.
The broker’s MT4 platform allows access to over 140 financial instruments, which can be traded with ultra-tight spreads on Axi’s Pro Account. In times of high liquidity, spreads on the most popular Forex pairs can reach 0.0 pips. The average spreads offered on Forex majors are:
- 0.2 pips on EUR/USD
- 0.3 pips USD/CAD and USD/JPY
- 0.4 pips on AUD/USD and USD/CHF
- 0.6 pips on GBP/USD
Axi Trading Costs
In exchange for ECN trading conditions, Axi will charge a small commission of 7.0 per round turn for 100,000 units traded on its Pro account type. On the other hand, there are no commissions on the Standard Account, but spreads will be wider. Axi’s commission rate of $3.5 per side per 100,000 units traded is in line with industry standards.
When we take into account the total transaction cost (spread + commission), Axi’s charges are on par with other respected brokers, maybe slightly higher.
At Axi, the average transaction cost for 100,000 units traded is USD 5.5 (assuming the EUR/USD spread remains constant at 0.2 pips).
Axi Order Execution Speed

Axi’s MT4 software solution uses an ECN bridge to ensure considerable latency reduction. This translates into less negative slippage and subsequently lower trading costs compared to market maker brokers. The cutting edge technology offered by Axi allows it to deliver fast order execution.
Axi filled limit orders faster than most brokers and market orders slower than most in our 2026 execution test on MetaTrader 4 demo accounts, so the speed you get depends on the order type you use.
- Limit orders: Axi filled these in 90 ms, the 8th fastest of 36 brokers.
- Market orders: Axi filled these in 164 ms, the 25th fastest of 36 brokers.
Our Verdict On Axi
With all this taken into account, we consider Axi’s MT4 software as one of the best ECN platforms on the market. You can trade with an award-winning MT4 forex broker that handles over $100 billion in average monthly trading volume from over 40,000 traders. Claim your free Axi demo account with $50,000 in paper money by clicking the button below.
6. FxPro
Average spread
EUR/USD = 0.64 GBP/USD = 0.54 AUD/USD = 0.54
Platforms
MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, FxPro Trading Platform
Minimum deposit
$0
Why We Recommend FxPro
FxPro is our top choice for a good STP Forex broker that provides a decent range of markets and tight spreads, and that verdict is one I reach on cost grounds. We like that the broker provides Direct Market Access, allowing you to see the order books from the liquidity provider, with platforms like cTrader can take advantage of this.
In particular, we think FxPro offers the best service for the cTrader platform, averaging 0.32 pips and low commissions of $3.00 per lot. We found that this commission is almost 50 cents cheaper than its competitors, who charge an average of $3.48 per lot.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Provides professional market analysis services for free
- Offers fixed spreads on the MT4 platform
- Low commissions on cTrader
Cons
- Higher spreads if you don’t use cTrader
- Charges an inactivity fee
- Requires a minimum deposit
Broker Details
A Good STP Forex Broker
Sixth, on our list of best MT4 ECN platforms by spreads, costs and speed is the no dealing desk NDD broker FxPro. FxPro was selected as the best straight-through processing STP forex broker based on these key factors:
- Online trading on 6 financial markets
- Ultra-high execution speeds of 11.06ms
- Trading on the forex market with zero commissions (only through MT4 and MT5)
- Variable spreads and fixed spread account
Founded in 2006, FxPro is an STP broker, offering CFDs on Forex pairs, Equities, Spot Indices, Commodity Futures, Spot Metals and Spot Energies on three popular trading platforms (MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5).
FxPro is authorised and regulated in multiple jurisdictions across the globe, including the following.
- United Kingdom, FxPro UK Limited, regulated by the FCA
- European Union, FxPro Financial Services Limited, regulated by the CySEC
- Internationally, FxPro Global Markets Limited, regulated by the Securities Commission of The Bahamas
FxPro Spread Analysis
Along with NDD execution, retail traders can take advantage of fixed Forex spreads on FxPro’s MT4 account, a combination I highlight in my notes on predictable costs. The STP broker will have the spread on 7 popular currency pairs fixed, depending on specific time intervals during the trading session. Fixed spreads are offered on EUR/GBP, EUR/JPY, EUR/USD, GBP/JPY, GBP/USD, USD/CAD, and USD/JPY.
| MT4 Floating Spreads (Minimum) | MT4 Floating Spreads (Average) | cTrader Spreads Minimum (Average) | MT5 Floating Spreads Minimum (Average) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD | 1.5 pips | 1.71 pips | 0.1 pips (0.37 pips) | 1.4 pips (1.51 pips) |
| GBP/USD | 1.6 pips | 2.39 pips | 0.2 pips (1.02 pips) | 1.8 pips (2.52 pips) |
| USD/JPY | 1.2 pips | 1.45 pips | 0.1 pips (0.41 pips) | 1.4 pips (1.57 pips) |
| AUD/USD | 1.7 pips | 2.09 pips | 0.6 pips (0.87 pips) | 1.8 pips (2.18 pips) |
| USD/CAD | 1.7 pips | 2.35 pips | 0.4 pips (0.88 pips) | 1.8 pips (2.45 pips) |
However, during illiquid times and news events, all market participants can expect the EUR/USD spread to reach 2.7 pips.
FxPro Trading Costs
At FxPro, the total trading cost incurred on all forex transactions depends on three factors:
- The execution model used (instant or market execution)
- Trading platform (MT4, MT5 or cTrader)
- Spread type (fixed or variable)
Investors can incur a total trading cost of $15 per side on the traditional broker-spread model. By comparison, on the less-expensive interbank spread plus commission model, investors can incur a total trading cost of $5.5 per side.
The brokerage will charge no commissions for CFD trading on its MT4 and MT5 account types.
At FxPro, the average transaction cost for 100,000 units traded is USD 15.0 (assuming the EUR/USD spread remains constant at 1.5 pips).
FxPro Order Execution Speed
FxPro provides execution of client trade orders with no dealing desk intervention, which, in turn, ensures access to diverse liquidity and ultra-high execution speeds (most trade orders are filled in less than 11.06 ms).
According to the broker’s statistics, in 2019, 99.32% of all instant orders were executed with no requotes, while 9% of orders experienced positive slippage.

At FxPro, all client orders are processed through Equinix Data centres, LD5 in London and AM4 in Amsterdam, where FxPro has co-located servers. FxPro uses its own proprietary aggregator Quotix to aggregate bids and offers from top-tier banks.
Our Verdict On FxPro
Overall, FxPro is a trusted Straight Through Processing broker, but when we factor in the variable spreads they are relatively high when compared to other legitimate STP brokers. For scalpers, the total trading costs will be extremely hard to overcome, and that is why I rank FxPro lower for that strategy, so bear that in mind if scalping is your plan. For more inquiries, you can contact FxPro's 5-star customer support by clicking the button below.
How To Choose An ECN Forex Broker
When selecting an ECN broker, you should consider factors such as regulatory compliance, the variety of tradable currency pairs and CFD instruments, as well as spreads, commissions, and the broker’s reputation. Here are the main things to look for:
Regulation And Fund Safety
Opt for a broker regulated by a reputable authority to ensure legal trading services and the safety of your funds. Globally highly respected regulators include the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the National Futures Association (NFA) in the United States, the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO), the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Securities Commission Malaysia and the Financial Markets Authority (FMA).
Range Of Markets
Your broker should offer a wide range of markets and currency pairs that match your trading interests. Besides Forex, look for opportunities to trade other assets such as gold, silver, various indices, and stocks, to further enhance your trading opportunities.
Spreads And Commissions
Minimising your trading costs is key, so focus on brokers offering low spreads and commissions. ECN brokers typically provide RAW or ECN accounts with direct access to interbank prices, avoiding dealing desks and reducing costs.
Trading Platforms
The choice of trading platform should align with your trading strategy and preferences. If technical analysis is your forte, platforms like TradingView offer extensive charting tools. For those interested in social trading, ensure the broker integrates with third-party platforms like MyFXbook. Popular trading platforms include MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and TradingView.
What are the advantages of an ECN broker?
ECN brokers offer direct access to liquidity providers or market participants, offering you market spreads very close to interbank prices. An ECN network matches buyers and sellers directly, which keeps execution efficient.
The pooling of liquidity providers within an ECN network encourages competition among market participants for the same orders. This competition often leads to more favourable prices due to multiple parties bidding and offering. Additionally, this system enhances transparency in pricing, although the identities of the trading parties remain anonymous.
Since ECN brokers do not add markups to prices or select the market participants with whom you trade, their revenue is derived from commissions. This model incentivises brokers to offer lower spreads, aiming to boost trading volumes.
ADVANTAGES OF USING AN ECN BROKER
- Instant Trade Execution: Orders are executed without delay, ensuring timely market entry and exit.
- Depth of Markets (Price Transparency): Provides visibility into the market’s buy and sell orders, enhancing price transparency.
- Variable Spreads: Spreads fluctuate based on real-time market conditions, potentially lowering trading costs.
- Automatic Data Feeds: Real-time updates and information are automatically provided, supporting informed trading decisions.
- Anonymity: Trades are executed without disclosing the trader’s identity, preserving privacy.
- Low Spreads: ECN networks facilitate lower spreads due to direct access to multiple liquidity providers.
- No Dealing Desk: Eliminates broker interference, reducing the risk of price manipulation.
- Fast Execution: High-speed trade execution minimises slippage and improves trade outcomes.
What is a no dealing desk broker?
A no dealing desk broker passes your orders straight on to external liquidity providers, such as banks and other institutions, or to a market, with no dealing desk inside the broker handling the order. NDD is the umbrella term, and it covers three execution models: ECN, STP, and DMA. An ECN matches orders inside a network of liquidity providers and other participants, STP (straight-through processing) sends each order straight to a liquidity provider, and DMA routes the order to the exchange order book, which you can read more about in our Best DMA Brokers guide.
So what is the difference between an ECN and a no dealing desk broker? Every ECN broker is an NDD broker, but not every NDD broker is an ECN broker. An STP broker is NDD without an ECN. The contrast that matters more is with a market maker, which is a dealing desk broker: it takes the other side of your trade and sets the prices it quotes, as we cover in our Best Market Maker Forex Brokers guide.
In my opinion, an NDD account suits you if you want your orders sent to the market rather than taken in-house. You will usually pay a commission on raw (ECN) accounts, with the quoted spread left close to the liquidity provider’s price, while a standard account builds the broker’s charge into a wider spread, a split we unpack in our ECN vs Standard Account Comparison. Automated strategies on MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 run fine with NDD brokers. The trade-offs are real, though: spreads are variable and can widen in volatile markets, slippage can still happen, the commission can make some trades cost more than at a dealing desk broker, and market makers more often offer guaranteed stop-loss orders. Those costs are worth a closer look, so the next section breaks down ECN broker trading fees.
ECN Broker Trading Fees
The trading fees associated with ECN brokers are primarily composed of two components: spreads and commissions. Commissions are typically levied on trades conducted through RAW accounts, representing modest fees charged per trade, often expressed in terms of a round-turn per 100,000 units traded.
A worked comparison of raw against standard pricing at one broker is set out in IC Markets Account Types.
A broker that publishes trade receipts showing where each order was filled is assessed in the Global Prime Review Of 2026.
Whether the commission on a raw account is worth paying depends on trade size, which is the calculation in ECN vs Standard Account Comparison [Updated 2026].
Direct market access routes an order to the exchange order book rather than to a liquidity pool, a difference set out in Best DMA Brokers.
Spreads refer to the difference between the bid (buy) and ask (sell) prices for currency pairs. This cost is encountered in all trades, affecting both RAW and Standard account types.
ATC Brokers runs a single RAW/ECN account priced as a raw spread plus a USD 6 round-turn commission per standard lot, the structure set out in the ATC Brokers Review Of 2026.
Are ECN Brokers Beginner-Friendly?
ECN brokers can be considered beginner-friendly due to their direct market access via simple electronic platforms. This setup facilitates faster transaction speeds, which helps minimise slippage, a common concern among new traders. Additionally, ECN brokers typically offer tighter spreads, helping beginners manage their trading costs more efficiently.
Are ECN Brokers Good For Copy Trading?
ECN brokers are indeed favourable for copy trading due to their provision of tight spreads, rapid execution speeds, and an extensive selection of trading signals. In the context of copy trading, “signals” refer to the strategies or trades of experienced traders that less experienced traders, or “copiers,” can automatically replicate in their own accounts.
Copy trading represents a straightforward method of engaging with the forex market, enabling individuals to use the expertise of more seasoned traders. The efficiency of an ECN network enhances the copy trading experience by reducing trading costs through lower spreads, which is particularly beneficial when following the trades of a chosen Signal provider.
ECN Brokers By Country
Follow the links for Singapore, Canada, the United States, Malaysia and New Zealand to reach ECN broker pages for each market.
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FAQs
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ECN vs. ECN/STP Brokers: Which is better?
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About the author
Justin Grossbard is the Co-Founder and CEO of CompareForexBrokers, which he established with Noam Korbl in 2014. He has over 20 years of professional experience in online marketing and holds a Master's in Marketing from Monash University.